It is proven that, for $n\geq 4$, there are $C^{\infty}$ nonnegative functions $f$ of $n$ variables (and even flat ones for $n\geq 5$) which are not a finite sum of squares of $C^{2}$ functions. For $n=1$, where a decomposition in a sum of two squares is always possible, the possibility of writing $f=g^{2}$ is investigated. We prove that, in general, one cannot require a better regularity than $g\in C^{1}$. Assuming that $f$ vanishes at all its local minima, it is proved that it is possible to get $g\in C^{2}$ but that one cannot require any additional regularity.

Nonnegative functions as squares or sums of squares

PERNAZZA, LUDOVICO
2006-01-01

Abstract

It is proven that, for $n\geq 4$, there are $C^{\infty}$ nonnegative functions $f$ of $n$ variables (and even flat ones for $n\geq 5$) which are not a finite sum of squares of $C^{2}$ functions. For $n=1$, where a decomposition in a sum of two squares is always possible, the possibility of writing $f=g^{2}$ is investigated. We prove that, in general, one cannot require a better regularity than $g\in C^{1}$. Assuming that $f$ vanishes at all its local minima, it is proved that it is possible to get $g\in C^{2}$ but that one cannot require any additional regularity.
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11571/132770
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact